Zaariah Estate Review

A rooster crows proclaiming the start of a new day as the hens scurry around him. Horses and cows make their way to the water for a drink, while on the other side of the dam, a herd of antelopes mirrors their actions. Overhead, water birds gracefully descend onto the water to hunt for their morning meal. It’s early morning at Zaariah Estate and the pristine countryside ambience is idyllic.

Our multi-generational family of 7 spent a lovely weekend at Zaariah Estate in Magaliesburg, just over an hour away from Johannesburg. The self-catering property consists of a massive house with 6 luxurious en-suite bedrooms and a huge open-plan lounge, dining and kitchen area with daybeds and a cosy nook with a fireplace. The house extends into a separate section with a seventh bedroom, table tennis facilities, a prayer room and a guest toilet. 

Open-plan living area

We were welcomed with hot refreshing mint tea and given a tour of the house, where everyone got to choose their rooms. The two main bedrooms had sleeper couches and overlooked the dam. All the bedrooms had air-conditioning and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers.

Cosy nook with a fireplace

The kitchen was fully equipped with two full-sized fridges, a microwave, a stove with an oven, a Nespresso machine, a kettle and toaster, and all the crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils one could need.

Kitchen

It was mid-winter and cold outside but inside we were kept warm with a fireplace, air conditioning in the room, and hot water bottles which the staff tucked into our beds.  Even the bathrooms had heaters! An outdoor boma fire was also lit for those who preferred to sit outdoors.

One of the bedrooms

A day at Zaariah Estate typically begins with a visit to the chicken coop for some freshly laid eggs which you can fry for breakfast. Then you go for a morning ride on the friendly Arabian horses. You spend the rest of the day alternating between enjoying the beautiful outdoors and the elegant interiors.

Dining area

Indoor activities include table tennis, board games, books, and a huge flat-screen television with DSTV. Outdoor activities include fishing, biking, quad-biking, boating, horse-riding, soccer, swing ball, archery, swimming in the heated swimming pool and soaking in the jacuzzi.

Jacuzzi

We went for a walk where we saw springboks, water bucks, and roan antelopes along with ostriches and mongoose. I also found a porcupine quill. The estate is also home to peacocks, ducks, cats and dogs, all living in harmony.

Peacock

Kids are catered for with a playground consisting of a jungle gym, jumping castle and a trampoline, as well as kiddies activities arranged by the staff.

Kids’ playground at Zaariah Estate

Although we enjoyed several of the activities, our favourite pastime was relaxing outdoors and enjoying the scenery from the benches, hammocks and outdoor swings. The sunsets were magical too.

Sunset

The friendly staff took good care of us. Precious and Mandy kept the house and dishes clean, and laid the tables for us at mealtimes, while Moosa kept our lounge fire crackling and our braai fire sizzling.

Zaariah Estate

Zaariah Estate is ideal for a private getaway with extended family or friends. The slow living and comfortable home away from home will leave you relaxed while the picturesque countryside and on-site activities will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Our parents loved it so much that they’ve already started recommending it to family and friends.

Follow them on Instagram at Zaariah Estate.

For quotes and bookings, Whatsapp Zeenat on +27 81 313 8550

Get a tour of the estate here.

Good to know

•       No alcohol is allowed on the premises.
•       There is a 7 km gravel road to get to the estate, so make sure you have a suitable vehicle.
•       The property runs on solar power and water is supplied by a borehole so there’s no need to worry about electricity or water outages.
•       The house has an alarm which can be activated at night and a security guard patrols the area.

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.